Xbox "Loop" (Codename for the 720)

[gamma626]

Microsoft may be keeping quiet about development of the next generation Xbox, but a couple of crucial aspects of the console have surfaced by way of reputable Microsoft leak blogger MS Nerd.

The Xbox 720, as it has become commonly referred to as, is allegedly codenamed "loop," and will be much smaller than the Xbox 360. Moreover, MS Nerd claims the system will cost less to produce in the hopes for achieving higher Kinect adoption. In addition, the console will be based on a modified version of the yet-to-be-announced Windows 9.

MS Nerd continues by stating that "It will use a Zune HD-like hardware platform—a 'main' processor with multiple dedicated assistive cores for graphics, AI, physics, sound, networking, encryption and sensors. It will be custom designed by Microsoft and two partners based on the ARM architecture."

Microsoft has yet to divulge in any information regarding their next console, although it is rumored that it will be revealed next year at E3.

Microsoft's successor to the Xbox 360 will be revealed at E3 2012 and developer Crytek is making a next-generation Timesplitters 4, according to sources speaking to Videogamer.com.

A "high-ranking industry source at Crytek" told the website that while specifications for the next console have not been finalized, Crytek is using Microsoft's DirectX 11 for next-gen development. The source says Microsoft will announce the new Xbox in the next year, likely at E3 2012.

"Crytek believes that Microsoft will announce and launch its new machine ahead of rival Sony, though the developer is also investing resources into next-generation PlayStation development."

Meanwhile, the source also claims TimeSplitters 4 is currently in development using CryEngine 3 and is already being demoed internally. The game was also apparently shown off in private last week at E3 2011.

"As for the game itself, the new TimeSplitters is reported to focus on the series' branching paths and exploratory nature, with sandbox-style gameplay elements a big priority. The current goal is for levels to feature multiple routes that lead to the same overall conclusion."

Microsoft and Crytek both declined to comment on this report.

Thoughts? Opinions?

[michealo]

the system will cost less to produce in the hopes for achieving higher Kinect adoption

i hope not
gimme the 360.5 with better graphics and without casual gimmicks please.

[KageMaru]

The Xbox 720, as it has become commonly referred to as, is allegedly codenamed "loop," and will be much smaller than the Xbox 360. Moreover, MS Nerd claims the system will cost less to produce in the hopes for achieving higher Kinect adoption. In addition, the console will be based on a modified version of the yet-to-be-announced Windows 9.

MS Nerd continues by stating that "It will use a Zune HD-like hardware platform—a 'main' processor with multiple dedicated assistive cores for graphics, AI, physics, sound, networking, encryption and sensors. It will be custom designed by Microsoft and two partners based on the ARM architecture."

[gamma626]

Agreed. I can see a lot of potential for the next console generation, they just need to go in the direction that Gamers want, not the casual audience. The Wii got that crowd. Motion will never take off again. It happened. It's done. Same with Avatar and 3D. Try again in 20 years.

[KageMaru]

Really though MS nerd's claims are bogus, they have to be. Unless MS' engineers are really that inefficient, it makes no sense to have multiple cores supporting very specific tasks. Not only does it seem like a horrible way to use their hardware budget, but it also narrows down how flexible the hardware will be in the long run. Not to mention it just sounds like a programming nightmare when trying to balance all the cores efficiently.

[gamma626]

Really though MS nerd's claims are bogus, they have to be. Unless MS' engineers are really that inefficient, it makes no sense to have multiple cores supporting very specific tasks. Not only does it seem like a horrible way to use their hardware budget, but it also narrows down how flexible the hardware will be in the long run. Not to mention it just sounds like a programming nightmare when trying to balance all the cores efficiently.

quite possibly. However, you never know. I'm positive we'll see it at E3 this year though.

[KageMaru]

quite possibly. However, you never know. I'm positive we'll see it at E3 this year though.

Hope not. That would also be a huge mistake IMO.

[gamma626]

Hope not. That would also be a huge mistake IMO.

Eh, We'll at least hear about it. The next gen is starting soon. 2013 is my guess. (The Wii finally catching up to the PS3 and 360 doesn't count as the next gen.)

[Mase]

I can see them going the ARM route but I dont know why they would want to. I am going to wait and see on this one, so far I am not digging what I am reading. I dont mind small form factor, I dont mind having stuff for the casual audience so long as they are doing what they are doing now (catering to both crowds) and I dont mind cheaper in price as $500+ launch consoles dont really appeal to me. I just dont want the Xbox 360.1, I want a full fledged successor.

[Dennis M.]

Originally Posted by IGN
Microsoft's successor to the Xbox 360 will be revealed at E3 2012 and developer Crytek is making a next-generation Timesplitters 4, according to sources speaking to Videogamer.com.

A "high-ranking industry source at Crytek" told the website that while specifications for the next console have not been finalized, Crytek is using Microsoft's DirectX 11 for next-gen development. The source says Microsoft will announce the new Xbox in the next year, likely at E3 2012.

"Crytek believes that Microsoft will announce and launch its new machine ahead of rival Sony, though the developer is also investing resources into next-generation PlayStation development."

Meanwhile, the source also claims TimeSplitters 4 is currently in development using CryEngine 3 and is already being demoed internally. The game was also apparently shown off in private last week at E3 2011.

"As for the game itself, the new TimeSplitters is reported to focus on the series' branching paths and exploratory nature, with sandbox-style gameplay elements a big priority. The current goal is for levels to feature multiple routes that lead to the same overall conclusion."

Microsoft and Crytek both declined to comment on this report.

Thoughts? Opinions?

Well, at least we know what TwonunpackMULE will be playing at launch.

[CorruptedDragon]

Guys, I can put all your fears to rest.

Last night after our secret X20 meeting in Paris, we were whisked away by private jet to a secret MS facility. There I beheld "The Beast" as the new Xbox was code named. The prototype consisted of 230 i7 processors, 45 crossfired 7970's, as well as using 2 cell processors just for audio. Games are stored on a new proprietary media, fetus brains.
Start up was quick and mostly painless. You must insert your palm into the special reader on the controller which will quickly draw 2 drops of blood as well as 1/4 of your soul. It's all legal and was in the EULA.

[KageMaru]

Eh, We'll at least hear about it. The next gen is starting soon. 2013 is my guess. (The Wii finally catching up to the PS3 and 360 doesn't count as the next gen.)

Yeah I agree on next gen starting 2013, but I think they would be blowing their load too early while also damaging sales of the 360 if they revealed their next system next year.

[twonunpackmule]

Well, at least we know what TwonunpackMULE will be playing at launch.

Hey, if they add a jump button to it, maybe I'll like it.

[Pyrochaos]

Assigning different tasks to different cores in a multi-core processor has been around for a little while now, in other industries, would be nice to see the game industry take advantage of that.

[thejnc]

Unless there is a Gears 4 coming out relatively soon on the Nextbox, I can wait. Just got into (serious) 360 gaming this year, so plenty of shit to play to last me past the next console.